The only cricketer to be the number 1 all-rounder across all-three formats Shakib Al Hasan is all set to return to international cricket for the Nidahas Trophy scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka next month. He had sustained an injury while playing in the ODI series against the Lankans back in January, which eventually led to him missing out on the subsequent test and T20 series.

Shakib Al Hasan to join Nidahas Trophy 2018

Bangladesh missed him dearly during both those series as the home side capitulated in front of a confident looking Sri Lankan team. The injury also forced Shakib to withdraw from the ongoing PSL championship in Pakistan. However, the good news for the Tigers is that their former captain is expected to take the field in the T20 tri-series next month featuring hosts Sri Lanka and India. The Nidahas Trophy is being played to celebrate Lankan’s 70 years of independence.

Shakib was seen training at the BCB academy earlier this week, he went spent around one and a half hours in the gym. As reported by Crictracker, speaking about his recovery, Shakib Al Hasan said, “Now I am in a better position. But the doctors can say about it better.” Although the 30-year-old is back in training and the gym, he still can’t hold a bat and a ball in his hands properly. He will require a few more days in the field and the gym before the doctors give him the green signal to start proper net practice.

“He can start bowling after some days. But it is still a question when he can start batting. He is recovering fast and he can start batting after 3-4 days maybe. If everything remains alright, we can expect to see him in the Nidahas Trophy,” explained BCB doctor Debashish Chowdhury.

The tri-series will start on 6th March, when hosts Sri Lanka take on the current World No. 1 ODI team India at the R Premadasa Stadium. All the matches will be played at this same ground with the final scheduled for 18th March. Shakib has played almost 300 international matches and is amongst the most successful Bangladeshi cricketers of all-time. His absence was a huge dent in the teams’ plans, however, his return would definitely add the much-needed quality to the team as they take on 2 Asian powerhouses.